Roy Hodgson: Do I wish my England players happy birthday? No

England manager Roy Hodgson instructs his players during the training session at the Vale Do Lobo Resort. Photograph: Nick Potts/PA

England kicked off their World Cup preparations in earnest on Wednesday in Vale de Lobo with training and a press conference with Roy Hodgson.

The England manager was in a relaxed and mood in Portugal and when, in light of the recent stories concerning Yaya Touré and Manchester City’s alleged lack of action when the player turned 31, he was asked whether he wishes his players happy birthday, he said: “No. They don’t wish me happy birthday either.

“I regard those things as being flippant, I don’t think it has anything to do with being a professional footballer. I do not interfere in their private lives.”

Hodgson also commented on the recent appointment of Louis van Gaal at Manchester United, saying: “I can only congratulate Louis on being the chosen one” before discussing World Cup matters.

The England manager said he was delighted with Wayne Rooney and said that the Manchester United forward was “looking very good, very good indeed” following his work with two personal trainers last week.

Hodgson added: “He [Rooney] realises what a good player he is, he knows we, as a football nation, place a lot of faith in him.”